How to Choose the Right Dock Leveler for Your Dock
Choosing a Loading Dock Leveler
Dock levelers are a popular piece of equipment used to provide a transitional bridge between the dock and industrial vehicles. This allows other vehicles, like forklifts, to load and unload with ease and safety. While there are several styles of dock levelers, each of which offers its own unique advantages, they all complete the same essential function.
If you’re considering incorporating a dock leveler into your equipment list, you’ll want to think through a few factors before making your decision. The information below provides a few guidelines to help choose the right dock leveler for your warehouse dock.
Kinds of Dock Levelers to Consider
There are a few commonly-used types of dock levelers, each operating with unique variations. These dock leveler styles include:
- Hydraulic: Popular for its easy use and seamless vehicle-to-dock transitions, this portable dock leveler has many advantages. It contains a hydraulic cylinder that raises and lowers the deck, controllable with a push-button device for convenient operation. They’re generally versatile and require less maintenance than other types, explaining the higher cost.
- Mechanical: The most common loading dock choice, this leveler type operates with a mechanical spring that forces or restrains the leveler. It doesn’t require power to run and is generally cheaper than the hydraulic alternative — but runs up a higher bill in overall maintenance.
- Edge of dock (EOD): With no need for an installation pit, edge of dock (EOD) levelers are easy to operate and cost less than pit dock levelers. However, because they’re installed directly into the edge of a dock, they offer little versatility and limited range.
Which One Is Best For You?
To determine the best dock leveler for your needs and warehouse space, you must identify several different factors. All dock leveler types accomplish the same end goal. However, their style of operation, convenience and storage needs can differ widely. Consider these specifications before deciding which route may best fit your needs.
Price of Dock Levelers
Examine your budget and consider how much you are able to spend on your dock leveler. Each option is priced differently, with the hydraulic dock leveler’s price tag being the largest and the end of dock leveler generally the most affordable. This range of price tags has obvious reasons — including the levels of versatility, safety and efficiency, for example — but is certainly one to weigh before purchasing.
Dock Leveler Maintenance Cost
The initial cost of purchasing and setting up your dock leveler is just one number to consider. Like any piece of machinery, your dock leveler will likely need maintenance over time to ensure it continues working at maximum capacity. Neglecting its maintenance may lead to costly repairs or replacements down the road.
Hydraulic levelers, for example, typically cost more upfront but require less maintenance over time thanks to their design. Mechanical systems cost less, but they generally need more preventive care and service in the long run.
Dock Leveler Functionality
Depending on the operations of your warehouse, you may be using the dock leveler daily or multiple times a day. Consider how frequently it may be used as well as its functionality and ease of operation. It should be a device that your employees can learn to use easily as part of their daily tasks without slowing productivity.
Hydraulic levelers are popular because of their simple functionality, using push-button controls to move and modify the leveler. This keeps employees from exerting significant physical effort to use a leveler. If this is not something used frequently, however, you may be interested in considering the more budget-friendly manual option.
Dock Leveler Size and Load Capacity
Consider the size and shape of your dock space, as well as the kinds of vehicles you’ll be working with. Dock spaces with only a limited amount of room might benefit from an EOD leveler, whereas larger spaces could benefit from a more versatile option. If you’ll be using the leveler to support heavy loads, ensure it can handle the weight of its cargo. Consider the size and capacity of your warehouse dock and loads before settling on a certain leveler.
Order Your Dock Leveler From Continental Door Today
It’s a lot to consider, but once you’ve thought through the details and decided which leveler will work best for your budget, capacity, dock space and operational needs, you’re ready to purchase the right dock leveler. Continental Door is here to help make it simple. We can provide you with quality dock levelers — hydraulic, manual and EOD — as well as commercial dock services and equipment to get you ready for your next big project. Contact us today for a free estimate.
How Weather Affects Your Garage Door Functionality
The Impact of Weather on Garage Doors
Weather in its many forms can be one of the most unpredictable game-changers for your garage door. From summer heatwaves and tornadoes to winter snowstorms and wind, the elements can certainly take a toll on your garage door, impacting its functionality over time.
While you can’t eliminate the effects of weather, being prepared for its impact can help you stay on top of servicing, maintenance and repairs — and keep your garage door operating no matter what Mother Nature throws at it.
How Heat Affects Garage Door Functionality
Sunlight and heat can have a major impact on your garage door functionality. The more intense the heat, the more drastic the effects will be. The glare of the sun can interfere with your door’s photo-eye, causing it to react as though there is an obstruction and preventing you from closing the door. A shade or small sun deflector around the photo-eye can help prevent this.
The warmer temperatures and humidity can also wreak havoc on your electronic controllers, causing them to work abnormally or perhaps stop working at all. These may need repair or servicing if this occurs.
Finally, the moisture and humidity can cause warping and deterioration of wooden garage doors. To counter this, consider applying a protective topcoat during the summer or having your doors serviced during the hotter months.
How Cold Weather Affects Garage Door Functionality
Of course, hot weather is not the only danger — cold weather can leave its mark on your garage door, too. Melted snow is a major winter threat, often causing your garage door to freeze shut. Prolonged wet and cold weather can cause swelling in your garage door’s openers and door frames, leading to hindered functionality and damage over time. Low temperatures may also thicken your door jamb’s lubricants, making it difficult to open and close.
To counter these cold-weather effects, make sure you’re preparing your garage door for the season. Use all-weather lubricant on door jambs and keep a close eye out for brittle or weakened springs. You’ll also want to keep your garage clear of any snow or pooling water and keep gutters clean so ice can’t form.
How Does Extreme Weather Affect Your Garage Door?
Extreme weather can happen unexpectedly at any time around the year, making it difficult to adequately prepare. From extreme fluctuating temperatures to storm damage and flash flooding, each type of weather can lead to door warping, malfunctioning technology, damaged hinges and much more.
Your garage door should be impact-resistant to minimize the potential of extreme weather damage. If you live in an area of the country prone to high winds or other extreme weather, consider installing a bracing kit for your garage door or investing in a WindCode-rated door to help withstand extreme weather events.
What Is Considered Extreme Weather?
Extreme weather comes in all shapes and sizes, any of which can have a damaging impact on your garage door. Be on the lookout for severe conditions such as:
- Hurricanes
- Wind
- Rain
- Thunderstorms
- Tornadoes
- Floods
By installing the highest quality doors and ensuring they are regularly serviced and prepared for the season, you’ll be well on your way to lasting doors year-round. Garage door maintenance is crucial to helping them handle fluctuating temperatures and weather. If your door does sustain damage as a result of extreme weather conditions, garage door replacement is an option to consider.
Request Garage Door Service From Continental Door
No matter the season, nature can leave its mark on your garage doors. From water damage and freezing during the winter to humidity and heat-related issues in the summer months, the seasons make it vital for you as a homeowner to stay diligent when it comes to your doors. Continental Door can help provide the ultimate service year-round, preparing your door for weather changes and performing repairs when necessary.
If you’re in the Greater Spokane area and in need of garage door replacement, service, maintenance or repair, we’re here to help. Reach out to us today to request service or receive a free estimate.
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